Stump Destruction Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A bit assembly comprising a main bit assembly, which further comprises one or more cutting blades, said one or more cutting blades further comprising a lower cutting blade and an upper cutting blade; a shaft comprising a lower and an upper end; a guide bit assembly, wherein the guide bit assembly is attached the lower end of the shaft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/564,425, no U.S. Pat. No. 9,382,689, filed Aug. 1, 2012 titled “STUMP DESTRUCTION APPARATUS” which in turn claimed priority to, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/514,080 filed Aug. 2, 2011 titled “STUMP DESTRUCTION APPARATUS.”

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, the present disclosure pertains to the field of tree stump removal and destruction. More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to a stump destruction apparatus comprising a self-propelled vehicle 2 and a stump destruction device 4. In one embodiment, the stump destruction device 4 comprises a frame 6, a gearbox 8, a motor 10, a bit assembly 12.

In another aspect, the present disclosure pertains to a drive system 11 comprising a motor 10, gearbox 8 and coupling 9.

BACKGROUND

The destruction of unwanted stumps has been a major concern for property owners for years. For example, if a heavily timbered plot of land has been harvested, the property owner often desires to replant the plot with new saplings to harvest at a future time. Stumps remaining from the previously harvested timber can damage vehicles during the replanting process and compete with the newly planted trees for water and other nutrients. Alternatively, if a forested area is to be converted to farmland or developed for commercial/residential use, it is desirable to destroy all of the stumps from the fallen trees to allow for construction of roads or plow the field in preparation for planting crops. Previous methods and devices for removing or destroying stumps have either been laborious (i.e., digging the stump out by hand) or unreliable.

The present disclosure provides a stump destruction apparatus that meets many of the needs not addressed in the prior art and provides a more efficient, environmentally friendly, safer and novel stump destruction apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the stump destruction apparatus disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of one embodiment of the stump destruction device 4.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate side view of one embodiment of the stump destruction device 4.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of one embodiment of the stump destruction device 4.

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of one embodiment of the stump destruction device 4.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the stump destruction device 4 without the frame 6.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the final drive system 11.

FIG. 7A shows one embodiment of the coupling 9.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of one embodiment of the main bit assembly 16.

FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of the main bit assembly 16.

FIGS. 10A-10H show side views of alternate embodiments of the guide bit assembly 22 and the main bit assembly 16.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show side views of one embodiment of the main bit assembly 16 and the guide bit assembly 22.

FIGS. 13-23A show top views of alternate embodiments of the cutting edges.

FIG. 24 shows a top view of an alternate embodiment of the main bit assembly 16 comprising an outer ring 19.

FIG. 25 shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of the main bit assembly 16 comprising an outer ring 19.

FIG. 26 shows a side view of one embodiment of a depth cutting guide 26 attached to an upper cutting arm 18.

FIGS. 26A-26B show exploded views of alternate embodiments of a depth cutting guide 26.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show alternate embodiments of cutting edges 25 a.

FIG. 29 shows one embodiment of an asphalt grinder attachment which may be attached to the final drive 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments, including the preferred embodiment of the present invention, example of which is illustrated by and in the accompanying drawings.

The stump destruction apparatus provides a novel and useful device for the removal and destruction of stumps of a fallen or harvested tree. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-24, a stump destruction apparatus is disclosed comprising a self-propelled vehicle 2 and a stump destruction device 4. In one embodiment, the self propelled vehicle 2 may be a “feller buncher,” a skid steer loader, excavator or other suitable vehicle. In one embodiment, the self- propelled vehicle is a feller buncher. The self-propelled vehicle to which the stump destruction device 4 is attached may vary upon the environment and scale of the job-at-hand. For example, in large scale jobs when it is desirable to move quickly from stump-to-stump, yet minimize the environmental impact of operating the vehicle, a feller buncher can be desirable. In other embodiments, for example, in more urban settings where operating space is limited, it may be desirable to attach the stump destruction device 4 to a skid-steer loader.

In one embodiment, the stump destruction device 4 comprises a frame 6, a gear box 8, a motor 10 and a bit assembly 12.

Frame

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, in one embodiment the frame 6 comprises one or more vertical support members 28, one or more horizontal support members 30, one or more bracing members 32, an attachment mount 34 and a floor 38. The frame 6 is designed to provide the strength and support required by the stump destruction device 4 during transport and operation. The frame 6 may be modified, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, depending upon the size of the stump destruction device 4. For example, the frame 6 used for a stump destruction device 4 attached to a feller buncher would most likely be larger than the frame used for a stump destruction device 4 attached to a skid-steer loader. In one embodiment, the frame 6 allows the stump destruction device to be removably attached to the self-propelled vehicle 2. In other embodiments, the frame 6 is adapted to permanently attach to the self-propelled vehicle.

The attachment mount 34 provides one or more receiving elements 36 that provide attachment points for attaching the stump destruction apparatus 4 to the self-propelled vehicle 2. In one embodiment, the attachment mount 34 comprises one or more substantially identical upper attachment supports 40 located horizontally opposite one another and attached to the upper portion of the one or more vertical support members 28. The upper attachment supports 40 comprise opposite plates 40 a that each comprise one or more receiving elements 36 and form an opening or channel 40 b that is adapted to receive a support arm/connection arm 44 from the self-propelled vehicle 2. In one embodiment, the attachment mount 34 further comprises substantially identical lower attachment supports 42 that attach to the one or more vertical support members 28 below the upper attachment supports 40. The lower attachment supports 42 comprise opposite plates 42 a that each comprise one or more receiving elements 36 and form an opening or channel 42 b that is adapted to receive a support arm/connection arm 44 from the self propelled vehicle 2. The attachment mount 34 and upper and lower attachment supports 42, 44 may need to be adapted slightly to the design of the self-propelled vehicle 2.

In an alternate embodiment, the frame 6 and attachment mount 34 can be adapted to be of a quick-release design that allows for the quick connection and/or disconnection of the stump destruction device 4 to the self propelled vehicle.

The one or more vertical support members 28, one or more horizontal support members 30, one or more bracing members 32 and floor 38 generally provide a suitable frame to support the gear box 8, motor 10 and bit assembly 12 (as described in greater detail below). In one embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the frame is constructed as follows: (a) the one or more vertical support members 28 are located opposite one another as shown by vertical support members 28 a and 28 b; (b) one or more horizontal support members 30 a and 30 b attach to a first side of the vertical support members 28 a and 28 b at substantially a ninety (90) degree angle; (c) horizontal support members 30 c, 30 d are attached to a second side of the one or more vertical support members 28 a and 28 b below horizontal support member 30 d which is also attached to the second side of the one or more vertical support members 28 a and 28 b; (d) horizontal support member 30 e is attached to horizontal support members 30 a, 30 b opposite the vertical support members 28 a, 28 b; (e) one or more bracing members 32 a, 32 b are attached to vertical support members 28 a, 28 b and horizontal support members 30 a and 30 b respectively and (f) the floor 38 is attached to the substantially rectangular shape formed by the combination of horizontal support members 30 a, 30 b, 30 c and 30 d. In one embodiment, the frame 6 comprises an additional horizontal support member 30 e as shown in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, the one or more bracing members 32 a, 32 b attach to the vertical supports members 28 a, 28 b and horizontal support members 30 a and 30 b at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle.

The elements of the frame 6, including the one or more horizontal support members 30, the one or more vertical support member 28 and the one or more bracing member 32 may be fastened together by any means known in the art. In one embodiment, the frame 6 elements are welded together.

In one embodiment, the stump destruction apparatus and self-propelled vehicle 2 are coupled together through a plurality of pins (not shown) that pass through the receiving elements 36 on the upper and lower attachment supports 40, 42 and the support aim/connection arm of the self propelled vehicle.

The frame 6 allows the stump destruction device 4 to be manipulated by the self-propelled vehicle 2. In one embodiment, the self-propelled vehicle comprises a series of hydraulic cylinders that attach to the frame 6 directly or to the upper and lower attachment supports 42, 44. The hydraulic cylinder allows an operator to manipulate the stump destruction device 4 in the x, y and z dimensions as needed to safely and effectively destroy the object stump.

Motor

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the stump destruction device 4 further comprises a motor 10. In one embodiment, the motor 10 is a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic motor 10 is a mechanical actuator that converts hydraulic pressure and flow into torque and angular displacement (rotation). The hydraulic motor may be a “gear and vane” motor, an axial plunger motor, a radial piston motor or another other suitable design as would be known to one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the hydraulic motor 10 is connected through a series of high-pressure hydraulic hoses to the self- propelled vehicle's 2 hydraulic system and/or pump which provide the high pressure hydraulic fluid to power the hydraulic motor 10.

In one embodiment, the hydraulic motor can rotate in both a forward (clockwise) and backward (counterclockwise) direction. The bi-directional hydraulic motor 10 provides many advantages in stump destruction as will be discussed in detail below. The motor 10 may be a variable speed motor or a single speed motor. In one embodiment, the hydraulic motor 10 is controlled by the self propelled vehicle's operator by a control means. In one embodiment, the control means may be a series of levers or joysticks controlling plurality valves that, depending upon if they are open or closed, engage the motor and control its directionality and speed.

In one preferred embodiment, the motor 10 may be a geared 160 cc (cubic centimeter) Rexroth motor allowing for adjustability in the speed, rotation and torque of the motor 10. In another embodiment, the 160 cc Rexroth motor is for example a model A6VM variable displacement motor available from Rexroth. In another alternate embodiment, the motor 10 is a 107 cc Rexroth motor. In an alternate embodiment, the motor 10 may be a motor from Sauer Danfross.

In one embodiment, the motor 10 is connected to the coupling 9, which in turn is connected to the gearbox 8. In this preferred embodiment, the motor 10, coupling 9 and gearbox 8 are in a vertical orientation and comprise the drive system 11 as in FIG. 7.

The motor 10 is capable of modulating the amount of force applied to the gearbox 8 in response to the amount of torque (or force) being encountered by the gearbox 8. This modulation is accomplished as discussed below. In one embodiment, the motor 10 may be a Rexroth model A6VM variable displacement motor described above and is coupled with a control mechanism. The control mechanism is capable of sensing the load (or torque) operating upon the motor 10 through the coupling 9 and gearbox 8. In one embodiment, the control mechanism may be the HA (or Automatic Control, High Pressure Related) control system sold in connection with the Rexroth A6VM 160 cc variable displacement motor or the Rexroth 107 cc motor and may be internal to the motor 10. In one embodiment, the HA control system is adapted to maintain the hydraulic pressure in the motor at approximately 4,000 psi. In an alternate embodiment, the HA control system may be adapted to maintain the hydraulic pressure in the motor at approximately 3,000 psi. In an alternate embodiment, the control mechanism is an HD1 control valve from Rexroth. The HD1 control mechanism allows the operator to modulate the output of the motor using various controls, including a pilot valve.

Gear Box

The stump destruction device 4 comprises a gear box 8 that is connected to the motor 10 and a gearbox output flange 46. The gear box 8 transfers the torque and angular displacement (rotation) produced by the motor 10 to the bit assembly 12 through the gearbox output flange 46. The gearbox 8 may comprise many different gear ratios depending upon the stump to be removed and the self-propelled vehicle 2. In one embodiment, the gear box 8 may comprises a gear ratio of between 40:1 and 78:1. In one embodiment, the gearbox 8 is a variable speed gear box. In an alternate embodiment the gearbox 8 is a variable ratio gearbox 8 capable of producing a gear ratio range 40:1 to 155:1.

In one preferred embodiment, the gearbox 8 comprises a “final drive” from a large piece of industrial equipment such as an excavator. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the gearbox 8 is the final drive from a Caterpillar 330C excavator. In one embodiment, the gear box 8 from the excavator is modified as discussed herein. In an alternate embodiment, the gearbox 8 comprises a final drive from a Hydro-Ax 321 feller buncher.

In one embodiment, the final drive is modified by removing the sprocket that normally contacts the tracks of the excavator. The sprocket is typically attached to the final drive by a series of bolts that may be removed in a manner as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Opposite the sprocket, the final drive also typically contains a motor (often hydraulic) that provides the force (or torque) to the final drive that is used to turn the sprocket and eventually the tracks. In one embodiment, the motor is also removed from the final drive. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate how to remove the motor from the final drive.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a cover plate 60 has been added to the final drive to replace the cavity created by removing the motor. This cover plate 60 is located opposite the attachment point of the sprocket (which has been removed as described above). In one embodiment, the cover plate 60 is attached to the final drive through the bolt holes on the final drive housing 62 through which the motor was attached. After the addition of the cover plate 60, the final drive is rotated into a vertical position rather than the customer horizontal position.

After being rotated into a vertical position, several other modifications are made to the final drive. First, the housing 64 located behind the sprocket (which has been removed as described above) is removed by removing the retaining bolts. Next, the housing 64 is modified by drilling a hole 66 (or opening) in the center of the housing 64. In one embodiment, the hole may be approximately 2.25 inches in diameter. This hole 66 allows a drive shaft 68 to pass through the housing 64. In one embodiment, the drive shaft 68 is the original drive shaft 68 contained in the final drive that has been removed and rotated 180 degrees. The drive shaft 68 may be in contact with an internal spline coupling 88 in the final assembly. Additionally, the housing 64 is also machined so that it has a flat, rather than a convex surface. Finally, a plurality of bolt holes 70 are added to the housing 64 which may later be used to attach to the coupling 9.

The coupling 9 is shown in FIG. 7A. The coupling 9 is positioned between the gearbox 8 and the motor 10. In one embodiment, the coupling 9 comprises a plurality of plates 82 a, 82 b and a shaft 84. In one embodiment, the shaft 84 may be a pipe that is approximately 4.00 inches in diameter. In one embodiment, the plates 82 are not identical in that the plate 82 a comprises a series of bolt holes 86 and an outer flange 89 that allow the coupling to be attached to the motor 10. In the same embodiment, the 82 b is a straight (or flat) plate comprising a series of bolt holes 86 for attachment to the gearbox 8. In one embodiment, the plates 82 a, 82 b may comprise 0.75 inch thick steel.

To construct the drive system 11, the gear box 8 is attached to the coupling 9 via the bolt holes 86 in the plate 82 b and the bolt holes 70 added to the housing 64 on the gear box 8 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A. As constructed, the drive shaft 68 now passes through the housing 64 and into the coupling 9. Additionally, an internal spline coupling 88 is attached to the distal end 69 of the drive shaft 68. This internal spline coupling 88 will be attached to the output shaft of the motor 10.

Bit Assembly

The stump destruction device 2 further comprises a bit assembly 12. In one embodiment the bit assembly 12 comprises an upper bit assembly 14, a main bit assembly 16 and a guide bit assembly 22.

In one embodiment, the upper bit assembly 14 comprises a shaft 14 c attached to both the gearbox output flange 46 and the main bit assembly 16 and serves to connect the gearbox 8 to the main bit assembly 16. The connection to the gearbox output flange 46 and the main bit assembly 16 may be made through one or more flanges (14 a, 14 b) on the upper bit assembly 14. The upper bit assembly 14 may be attached to the gearbox output flange 46 by any means known in the art. In one embodiment, the upper bit assembly 14 may be welded to the gearbox output flange 46 thereby permanently connecting the two. In one embodiment, the upper bit assembly 14 is removably attached to the gearbox output flange 46 through one or more bolts 48. Likewise, the upper bit assembly 14 may be attached to the main bit assembly 16 through any means known in the art, including welding or with one or more bolts 48. In the proceeding preferred embodiment, if the upper bit assembly 14, the gearbox output flange 46 or the main bit assembly 16 is damaged during operation, either piece may be removed for repair or replacement. In one embodiment, the upper bit assembly 14 may comprise a length of eight (8) (e.g., 20.3 cm) internal diameter metal tubing.

The main bit assembly 16 comprises one or more cutting blades and a shaft 52. The shaft 52 is connected to the upper bit assembly 14 at the shaft's 52 upper portion 53 and to the guide bit assembly 22 at the shaft's 52 lower portion 54. In one preferred embodiment, the upper bit assembly 14 and the shaft 52 are connected using one or more bolts 48, although other methods of attachment are considered within the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the shaft 52 is wider at its upper portion 53 than its lower portion 54. Put another way, the shaft 52 may be tapered from the upper portion 53 which is connected to the upper bit assembly 14 to the lower portion 54 connected to the guide bit assembly 22. In one embodiment, the taper of the shaft 52 begins at point P as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9A-9D.

In one embodiment, the main bit assembly 16 comprises one or more lower cutting blades 24. In one embodiment, the main bit assembly 16 comprises one (1) or two (2) lower cutting blades 24. The lower cutting blades 24 are attached to the shaft 52 at a point below the attachment point of the upper cutting blades 18. As shown in FIGS. 4-8, in one embodiment, the lower cutting blades 24 comprise both a cutting edge 25 a and a main body 25 b. The cutting edges 25 a are adapted to engage or “bite into” the stump to be destroyed. In one preferred embodiment, the cutting edge 25 a widens the cavity in the stump formed by the guide bit assembly 22 (as described below). In one embodiment, the cutting edges 25 a may be replaceable in that when one cutting edge 25 a becomes damaged or loses its “edge” it may be easily replaced. In one embodiment, the cutting edges 25 a are bolted onto the main body 25 b through a series of bolts 25 c, although other means of fastening the cutting edge 25 a to the main body 25 b, such as welding, should be considered within the scope of this disclosure. In one preferred embodiment, the bolts 48 are counter-sunk into the main body 25 b to avoid wear on the bolt heads during use. In one embodiment, the main body 25 b of the lower cutting blades 24 contacts and is attached to both the bolt shaft 52 and the main body 25 b of the upper cutting blades, described below. In other embodiments, the main body 25 b may only contact the shaft 52.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the lower cutting blades 24 have both an angle and a pitch to them to facilitate the destruction of the stump. In one embodiment, the angle is a certain angle, θ₁, above a horizontal axis extending from the attachment point of the lower cutting blade 24 to the shaft 52. In one embodiment, θ₁ is about 12 degrees. In an alternate embodiment, the lower cutting blades 24 also comprise a pitch of angle θ₂. In one embodiment, θ₂ is about 12 degrees.

In one embodiment, the cutting edges 25 a comprise the same material as the main bodies 25 b. In alternate embodiments, the cutting edges comprise a different mater than the main bodies 25 b. In one embodiment, the cutting edges 25 a comprise T1 hardened steel, AR400 steel or AR500 steel.

In one embodiment, the main bit assembly 16 also comprises one or more upper cutting blade 18. The upper cutting blades 18 comprise, in one embodiment, one or more cutting edges 18 a and one or more main bodies 18 b. In one embodiment, the cutting edges 18 a may be replaceable in that when one cutting edge 18 a becomes damaged or loses its “edge” it may be easily replaced. In one embodiment, the cutting edges 18 a are bolted onto the main body 18 b through a series of bolts 18 c.

In one embodiment, the cutting edges 18 a comprise the same material as the main bodies 18 b while in alternate embodiments the cutting edges 18 a comprise a different mater than the main bodies 18 b. In one embodiment, the cutting edges 18 a T1 hardened steel, AR400 steel or AR500 steel.

As shown in FIGS. 8-22, in one preferred embodiment, the upper cutting blades 18 further comprise one or more depth cutting guides 26. In one embodiment, the depth cutting guides 26 function to break up the wood debris and dirt into smaller pieces after it has been loosened or removed by the upper cutting blades 18. It is possible that large pieces of dirt or wood debris could be generated by the upper cutting blades 18 alone. Such large debris is undesirable in situations where the land may be converted to agricultural use as it may damage field instruments such as disk harrows or plows. The depth cutting guides 26 comprise, in one embodiment, a shim 26 a and a main body 26 b. The shim 26 a comprises, in one embodiment, a “U” shaped metal member (though other materials suitable to the purpose should also be considered in the scope of this disclosure) which fits into a space between the main body 26 b of the depth cutting guide 26 and the main body 18 b of the upper cutting blade. The shim 26 a by being installed between depth cutting guide 26 and main body 18 b increases the thickness of the depth cutting guide and decreases the amount of the cutting of the blade. This controls the depth of the cut for different type materials and applications. In one embodiment, the depth cutting guide 26 is attached to the upper cutting blade 18 by one or more retaining bolts 26 c, which may be countersunk.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the depth cutting guide 26 is attached to the upper cutting blades 18 via a hinge connection 26 d. In one embodiment, the depth cutting guide 26 is also attached to the upper cutting blade 18 via a bolt 26 e which is threaded into a slot in the upper cutting blade 26 g. In one embodiment, the bolt 26 e is engaged by a retaining slot 26 f. Various embodiments of the depth cutting guide 26 are shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B.

In an alternate embodiment, the upper cutting blades 18 further comprise an outer ring 19 which is attached to the distal end 18 c of the upper cutting blades, as shown in FIGS. 24-25. The ring 19 may further comprise one or more teeth 19 a, 19 b, 19 c on its bottom edge. In one embodiment, the teeth 19 a, 19 b and 19 c are wider than the ring 19.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper cutting blades 18 have both an angle and a pitch to them to facilitate the destruction of the stump. In one embodiment, the angle θ₁ is between 8 and 20 degrees. In an alternate embodiment, the upper cutting blades 18 also comprise a pitch of angle θ₂. In one embodiment, θ₂ is between 8 and 20 degrees.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the main bit assembly 16 further comprises one or more lateral cutting blades 20. The lateral cutting blade 20 comprise, in one embodiment, one or more cutting edges 20 a and one or more main bodies 20 b. In one embodiment, the cutting edges 20 may be replaceable in that when one cutting edge 20 a becomes damaged or loses its “edge” it may be easily replaced. In one embodiment, the cutting edges 20 a are bolted onto the main body 20 through a series of bolts 20.

The lateral cutting blades 20 attach to the distal end 18 c of the upper cutting blades 18 relative the shaft 52. In one preferred embodiment, the lateral cutting blades 20 contact the upper cutting blades 18 at approximately a 90 degree angle. In one embodiment, the lateral cutting blade 20 may be welded to the upper cutting blade 18. In an alternate embodiment, the lateral cutting blade 20 is attached to the upper cutting blade through one or more bolts.

The cutting edges 18 a, 20 a and 25 a may comprise many different configurations. As shown in FIGS. 8-9, 12-19, 24, 25 and 27, in one embodiment the cutting edge 18 a, 20 a and 25 a may be double sided in that they comprise edges on opposite sides thereof In this embodiment, the double sided cutting edge offers the operator the ability to simply rotate the cutting edge 18 a, 20 a and 25 a should one side become dull or be damaged during operation. In alternate embodiments, the cutting edge 18 a, 20 a and 25 a may be serrated. In an alternate embodiment, the cutting edge 18 a, 20 a and 25 a may comprise a smooth edge or a series of step-like smooth cutting edge. In yet an alternate embodiment, the cutting edge 18 a, 25 a may comprise several layered surfaces each comprising a surface capable of cutting into the object stump.

The bit assembly 12 further comprises a guide bit assembly 22 located below the main bit assembly 16. In one embodiment, the guide bit assembly comprises a male portion 22 a, a connecting rod 22 b and a cutting element 22 c. In one embodiment, the male portion 22 a is adapted to engage the female portion 16 a of the main bit assembly 16. Further, in the proceeding embodiment, the connecting rod 22 b extends in a direction opposite the cutting element 22 c and into the bore cavity 16 b of the main bit assembly 16. In one preferred embodiment, the connecting rod 22 b is of sufficient length to pass through the entire length of the bore cavity 16 b in the main bit assembly and further comprises threads 22 d its distal end. In an alternate embodiment, the connecting rod 22 b does not extend through the entire length of the guide bit assembly 22. A nut 22 e then may be used to secure the guide bit assembly 22 to the main bit assembly 16. In one embodiment, the guide bit assembly 22 further comprises a key 23 mechanism to further secure it to the main bit assembly. In one embodiment, the key assembly includes a male portion 23 a adapted to engage a second female portion 23 b on the interior of female portion 16 a of the main bit assembly 16. In some embodiments, the connecting rod 22 b extends part way into the bore cavity 16 b and is secured by placing a washer and threaded nut onto the threaded connecting rod 22 b. In other embodiments, the threaded connecting rod 22 b is threaded (or screwed) into the main bit assembly, as shown in FIG. 10F. As shown in FIGS. 10G-10H, in some embodiments the guide bit assembly 22 attaches to the main bit assembly 16 using either a dovetail configuration or a “t-lock” configuration. In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10E-10H, the guide bit assembly 22 is secured to the main bit assembly 16 via a retaining bolt or pin.

The guide bit assembly 22 comprises a cutting element 22 c. In one embodiment, the cutting elements may be comprised of a plurality of cutting knives similar to the cutting edges 18 a located on the upper cutting blades 18 and the cutting edges 25 a located on the lower cutting blades. In one embodiment, the cutting knives 22 d are regularly spaced around the outside surface of the guide bit assembly 22. In an alternate embodiment, the cutting knives 22 d are irregularly spaced about the outside surface of the guide bit assembly. In other embodiments, the cutting element 22 c comprises a helical cutting element as shown in FIGS. 10-11.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

One embodiment of using the stump destruction is described herein. After selecting a stump to be removed/destroyed, the operator may position the stump destruction device 4 over the stump using the self-propelled vehicle's 2 upper and lower attachment supports 42, 44 and the hydraulic cylinders connected thereto. After positioning the guide bit assembly 22 into proximate contact with the stump, the operator will engage the hydraulic motor 10 and contact the stump S with the guide bit assembly 22.

The guide bit assembly may serve as to create a pilot hole in the stump thus ensuring that the upper and lower cutting blades 18, 24 contact the stump properly.

As the guide bit assembly 22 “bites” into the stump, the lower cutting blades 24 will contact the stump and create a larger hole or void in the stump. The upper cutting blades 18 then contact the stump essentially removing/destroying the majority of the stump material. Finally, the lateral cutting blades 20 function to severe any roots radiating outward from the stump.

In additional to the stump destruction bit assembly 12 described above, several other attachments (or “heads”) may be attached to the drive system 11 to impart additional functionality. In one embodiment, an asphalt (or pavement) grinder 90 (shown in FIG. 29) may be attached to the drive system 11. The asphalt grinder 90 may comprise a grinder shaft 92, one or more teeth 94 and a drilling means 96. In one embodiment, the teeth 94 comprise a first 98 and a second 100 tooth element. The teeth 94 and drilling means 96 may be made from any suitable material. In other embodiments a log splitter may be attached to the drive system 11.

The stump destruction apparatus 4 of the present disclosure is safer than those known in the prior art as it operates at a lower rotation-per-minute (RPM) than previous devices for the removal of stumps, thus the likelihood of debris being generated and thrown by the apparatus is lessened. Also, the stump destruction apparatus is operated from the safety of the cab of the self-propelled vehicle minimizing the operator's exposure to any flying debris generated during operation. Finally, the stump destruction device is environmentally friendly as the stump is rendered to small chips that are biodegradable. The drive system 11 addresses many shortcomings of the prior art in that it has the ability to increase or decrease torque output of the motor 10 in relationship to the load on the bit assembly 12 or other suitable attachments.

One novel aspect of the present disclosure is the reversibility of the motor 10 and the bit assembly 12. If the bit assembly becomes fouled, it is advantageous to be able to reverse the directionality of rotation of the bit assembly 12 to unfoul the device. Further, the motor 10 may offer one or more speeds of operation thus allowing the operator greater freedom to tailor the operation of the device to the job at hand. 

We claim:
 1. A bit assembly comprising: a. one or more cutting blades, said one or more cutting blades further comprising a lower cutting blade and an upper cutting blade; b. a shaft comprising a lower and an upper end; c. a guide bit assembly, wherein the guide bit assembly is attached the lower end of the shaft.
 2. The bit assembly of claim 1 wherein the guide bit assembly comprises a cutting element.
 3. The bit assembly of claim 2 wherein the guide bit assembly comprises a plurality of cutting elements, wherein the cutting elements are distributed evenly about an outer surface of the guide bit assembly.
 4. The bit assembly of claim 2 wherein the bit assembly comprises AR500 steel.
 5. The bit assembly of claim 3 wherein the bit assembly comprises AR500 steel.
 6. The bit assembly of claim 1, further comprising a lateral cutting blade.
 7. The bit assembly of claim 6 wherein the lateral cutting blade is attached to the distal end of the upper cutting blades relative the shaft
 8. The bit assembly of claim 1 wherein the one or more cutting blades further comprise a replaceable cutting edge.
 9. The bit assembly of claim 3 wherein the one or more cutting blades further comprise a replaceable cutting edge.
 10. An apparatus useful for removing stumps comprising a shaft comprising a first end and a second end, wherein in the first end comprises a shaft flange which is connectable to a gearbox output flange and the second end is connectable to a guide bit assembly, said guide bit assembly comprising one or more cutting blades extending therefrom.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of the one or more cutting blades extend upwardly at an angle above a horizontal axis extending from an attachment point with the guide bit assembly.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the angle is about twelve (12) degrees.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the guide bit assembly further comprises a cutting element.
 14. The bit assembly of claim 13 wherein the guide bit assembly comprises a plurality of cutting elements, wherein the cutting elements are distributed evenly about an outer surface of the guide bit assembly.
 15. The bit assembly of claim 10 wherein the bit assembly comprises AR500 steel.
 16. The bit assembly of claim 13 wherein the bit assembly comprises AR500 steel.
 17. A drive system comprising: a. a hydraulic motor, wherein said motor further comprises a torque modulation means and a first splined drive shaft; b. a gearbox further comprising a second splined drive shaft; c. a coupling connecting the gearbox to the motor; and d. an internal spline coupling adapted to receive both the first splined drive shaft and the second splined drive shaft.
 18. The drive system of claim 13, wherein the torque modulation means is adapted to maintain a constant output torque of the motor.
 19. The drive system of claim 12, wherein the gearbox is a variable speed gearbox.
 20. The gearbox of claim 12, further comprising a gear ratio between 40:1 and 155:1. 